News

“Sharing copyrighted works on peer-to-peer networks is legal in Canada, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday, handing the record industry a sharp setback in its international fight against file swappers.

Canadian record labels had asked the court for authorization to identify 29 alleged file swappers in that country, in preparation for suing them for copyright infringement, much as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has sued more than 1500 people in America.

But the judge denied that request. In a far-ranging decision, the court further found that both downloading music and putting it in a shared folder available to other people online appeared to be legal in Canada.”

MacMinute is reporting that Apple has extened its iPod personalization promotion, which allows customers to get free custom laser engraving on any new iPod purchased between March 28 through June 26, 2004. The engraving normally costs US$19 extra.

iLounge recently spoke with Wall Street Journal reporter, Pui-Wing Tam who is researching the concept of using an iPod at parties. Have you ever attended a party where iPod(s) were used as main source of music? “We’re working on a fun story about how iPods are changing parties—do people duel over which music to play now, since so much more music is available on iPods, for example? How do people prevent others from walking away with their iPods at parties?”

“Apple iPod (digital music player) customers across the world will soon have a bluetooth wireless adaptor and headset for listening to music without the hassles of a cable hanging overhead.

Developed in India by Bangalore-based Impulsesoft Technologies, iWisa (wireless adaptor) and iWish (wireless headset adaptor) have been licensed to US-based TEN Technology to be used in naviPlay, one of the first bluetooth wireless stereo adaptors with remote control, which is attached to an iPod. naviPlay will be launched in the market in the next 2-3 months.”

Dealmac: A reader found the factory-refurbished iPod 30GB MP3 player, with dock connector, for $349 at The Apple Store. That’s $50 less than the best price we’ve seen for a new, factory-sealed unit. Shipping is free, although sales tax is added where applicable. A one-year Apple warranty applies.

I-magine, a newly launched UK based online retailer is offering iPod accessories, web design and more. “We supply the cheapest iPod accessories throughout the UK. If you can find any of our products anywhere else in the UK for cheaper, please email us and let us know.” A few of the products listed at the site are iSkin cases, iTrip and the NaviPod remote.

Back in Febrary we we reported that the “This is London” website was reporting that iPod owners were being targeted by criminals. Today, “The Register UK” is reporting a person was mugged for their iPod.

“West Midlands police have issued a stark warning to iPod users: ditch the white headphones or pay the price.

Fashion-conscious music lovers are apparently being targeted by muggers. The Times tells the sorry tale of 22-year-old language student Roland Baskerville, who lost his 20GB model on the mean streets of Birmingham: “I was walking down the road near to my home when a man who was walking the other way pointed at my headphones.”

The thief then asked Baskerville if he was listening to an iPod and, receiving an affirmative answer, he “pulled a knife out and started waving it at me, saying:

“It’s been sometime since we gave you a sneak peek on the grey market scene; hence we decided to pay a little visit to the grey market and catch up on what’s hot and what’s not. With the official prices of gizmos and drool “maal” hitting the roof, the grey market is still the preferred choice for all fellow geeks to feast on the goodies and catch a steal or two. [...]

All the prices are negotiable and you can test your negotiation skills as long as you are serious about buying them.”

“Apple Australia has signed deals that will see the retail presence of the iPod expand.

iPods are currently only available from Apple centres and resellers, David Jones and the online Apple Store. From April 1 the popular music player will also be available in Myer, Megamart, Target, and Domayne

iPodMods.com is offering several iPod related repair and modification services, including screen replacement ($85), battery replacement ($40), general repair ($20 general repair diagnostic), harddrive backup (5 gigs for $5), replacement HD ribbon cables ($25). “iPodMods has been doing repairs of iPods and many other different small electronics for over 3 years. They have opened the doors to the public and would like to help out iPod owners across the globe with their top notch support. They offer a wide variety of parts for most models and do repairs on ALL iPod types.”

Disruptive Technology Channels recently announced the launch of the PodGear CarDock, a unique in-car cradle and charger and the first product in the PodGear line of accessories for the iPod. Unlike existing iPod car-chargers on the market, the PodGear CarDock offers completely cable-free charging so that your iPod remains easy to access, fully powered and no threat to in-car user safety (& iPod safety!) while you are on the road. Suggested retail price for the CarDock is

Today Lajo released a new addition to his lineup of silicone cases named the exoflp. The exoflp features button and wheel protection (like the exo3), a back slit which makes the exoflp dock friendly, and is designed to fit tight with anti tear rings at each end. Exoflp can be found at xskn.com, click just released or enter exoflp into the search engine. “Lajo designs iPod cases with the philosophy that no on design, or color, or pattern will meet every one’s needs and as a result his exo series for 3rd gen iPod has four case, over 50 colors, a variety of interchangeable accessories including screen protectors in a variety of colors and his just release SWVclip which can be color coordinated with you exoflp to make you the talk of the town.” The exoflp costs $21.50 (case only) plus $5 shipping to anywhere in the world.

iSkin Inc., today released the iSkin eVo, its new and improved protector for the third generation Apple iPod that the company refers to as “proof of eVolution.” Improving upon the existing eXo2 the new eVo features; a redesigned rotary RevoClip that

MacObserver has discovered that Apple yesterday filed a patent for a “graphical user interface and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player.” The following is an abstract from the patent application.

“In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for providing user supplied configuration data are described. In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided. A first order, or home, interface provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface.”

Lajo, the designer of 3G iPod silicone cases, exo, exo2 and exo3 is pleased to present exomini. Like the exo series cases, the exomini is made from the highest grade Japanese silicone with 2.0mm of silicone protection on all sides, and features access to all functions. The exomini costs $17.50 and is currently available in Asphalt (black) only. Over 50 colors and Art designs are planned as new colors will be added weekly. Exomini accessories include iShade a TPU multi colored screen protectors, bungee a TPU multi colored safety strap and over 70 color combinations of Lajo’s newly introduced SWVclip belt clip. Upcoming accessories include an armband, hand strap, a “revolutionary” belt clip, car mount etc. Lajo accessories are interchangeable and you can use your existing or newly purchased accessories with any one of the Lajo’s exo series for the 3G iPod or iPodmini. To view a larger picture of exomini go to Xskn.com, click on just released then click on exomini.